New Bounty Order, Setting Sail

The next day, Sabaody Archipelago, World Economic News Agency headquarters.

"Captain Brook, your bounty has been updated. It's because of your feat yesterday—defeating Bloody Fist Scaledo without even lifting a finger, and your ability to trade blows with the Supernova Golden Lion Shiki. Your bounty is now 120 million Berries, making you the Supernova with the lowest bounty."

Shakky said excitedly, clearly proud of her captain's strength.

"It seems it is time to set sail and find some crewmates!"

Brook decided that his strength was sufficient to head back out to sea. Meanwhile, Moore Thomas had already dispatched men to Jaya Island to establish a base, preparing for the future relocation of the news agency headquarters.

Most of this year's Supernovas were still roaming the Grand Line, so he needed to assemble his own foundation as soon as possible.

In the morning, after speaking with Moore Thomas, they began purchasing supplies and loading them onto the pirate ship docked at Grove 50. With the Eternal Pose and Den Den Mushi brought aboard, the three-man pirate crew set sail once more under the watchful eyes of the Moore family.

"Captain, is our first stop that fallen city of shipwrights?"

As the navigator, Shakky was a bit puzzled. She knew that the strongest shipwrights were currently on the Sabaody Archipelago, and that Water 7's shipbuilding industry was declining due to the influence of the Aqua Laguna—the "God of Water" tsunami.

It would only be later, thanks to the Sea Train built by Fish-Man Tom, that Water 7 would regain its prosperity and restore its reputation as the City of Water.

"Yes, that place possesses the strongest shipbuilding technology!"

Brook knew that Water 7 held the blueprints for the Ancient Weapon, Pluton. Tom should be in his thirties by now; he was older than Roger, and Brook wondered if Roger had already arrived at Water 7 to build his new ship, the Oro Jackson.

Because Antonio was a weakling, Brook took charge of hoisting the sails and steering, while Shakky handled the navigation and monitored the weather of the Grand Line.

Back elsewhere, Golden Lion Shiki had also loaded plenty of Yarukiman Mangrove leaves onto his ship. He hadn't found any leaves from Sun Tree Eve or Treasure Wood Adam, as those had long since been scavenged by Brook.

After a day of rest, the No. 36 Mobile Den Den Mushi finally regained its energy. Shiki immediately grabbed the small screen to check the messages.

He wanted to see what these so-called powerhouses thought, and he had to make sure he managed the active time of the Mobile Den Den Mushi well.

[No. 18: Does everyone think this year's Supernova, Golden Lion Shiki, has the potential to become a top-tier powerhouse?]

[No. 15: A rookie is just a rookie. No matter how strong a rookie is, they're still a weakling who doesn't even know how to use Haki.]

[No. 9: The weather in the New World is even more treacherous; his Float-Float Fruit will only make him more vulnerable. If he dares to charge into the New World without knowing anything, he might just end up wrecked at sea!]

[No. 6: The Child of the Era for this generation should be Rocks D. Xebec. With his terrifying three types of Haki, evil Devil Fruit, and domineering personality, I predict most of the Supernovas will be brought under his command—Golden Lion included!]

What? This Seat is the Golden Lion! How could I ever submit to someone else's command!!! Isn't it just three types of Haki? I will learn them soon enough!

[No. 44: Finally captured one. You outlaws, daring to pry into information about Poneglyphs—sooner or later, I will round you all up. I am an Admiral of the Marine Headquarters, I...]

[No. 2: No. 44 Den Den Mushi has been terminated. Everyone, do not worry; revealing one's identity or threatening others is prohibited here. Otherwise, the Mobile Den Den Mushi in your hand will die, and you will lose your place in this circle of the strongest.]

[No. 9: Speaking of which, No. 2, you must be very strong. Are you also some old geezer who has lived for a hundred years?]

[No. 2: A hundred years? I am of a rare race; I am currently 256 years old.]

Golden Lion Shiki let out a low whistle. Looking at the darkened Mobile Den Den Mushi, his heart felt unsettled. Thinking back on the evaluations of these people, he refused to believe them. He had to become stronger—as strong as these guys. He would master all three types of Haki!

After the Flying Pirate Crew's ship was coated, Golden Lion Shiki set off directly for Fish-Man Island to enter the New World, challenge the strong, and find a way to train in the three types of Haki!

"Captain Brook, it seems we've been blown off course by the storm."

Shakky said apologetically, though Brook shared the blame; because they were short-handed, they hadn't furled the sails in time, leading to the situation.

"It's fine, we'll just adjust our course! Let's head to the island ahead and rest for a bit!"

Seeing the island, they decided that since they were already there, they might as well go ashore and take a look.

"Understood, Captain."

Under the trio's control, the pirate ship soon entered the port of this small, remote island. Despite its isolation, it was quite populated.

Since Brook hadn't officially re-established his pirate crew and wasn't flying a pirate flag, the islanders merely watched these outsiders with vigilance rather than driving them away.

As a sharp-tongued intelligence gatherer, Shakky used her harmless appearance to quickly learn about the island. There was nothing special about it, save for some strange occurrences that had been happening lately.

With Brook using Berries to pave the way, they soon reached the center of the village to shop, eat, and enjoy the local customs.

"Old Granny, I heard that strange things have been happening on the island lately. Could you tell me what they are?"

Shakky, the little girl with short black hair, looked very likable, and her tone was pleasant.

"You outsiders, I advise you to leave as soon as possible. There is a monster that can make people lose their memories. Many people on the island have forgotten their friends, as if their memories were stolen; they don't even recognize their own children."

The old woman gestured wildly as she explained, causing Antonio to unconsciously step behind Brook.

"A monster that eats memories?"

Brook seemed to recall a little creature like that. He hadn't expected it to appear so many years ago! He was immediately intrigued and decided to stay on the island for a day to see if he could catch it.

At a small pond on the edge of the village that connected directly to the sea, a pink seahorse lay in wait. Ever since it had accidentally looked up and seen a school of Millennium Dragons migrating overhead, the desire to become a flying Millennium Dragon had taken root in its heart.

Using its innate talent, it began to devour the memories of the island's residents, slowly growing and strengthening its ability to consume memories.

One day, it would devour the memories of everyone on this island to help itself evolve into a flying Millennium Dragon, so it could soar freely.

Quietly waiting for nightfall, waiting for the humans to fall asleep, it hopped out of the pond and began to bounce toward the village. As a marine creature, this was indeed quite strenuous.